There is no ‘British plan’ on the table, Minister for European Neighbourhood and the Americas Wendy Morton said on Sunday, clarifying that the UK’s only interest in the Geneva talks was to encourage both sides to show the flexibility for a compromise that the UN Security Council is also seeking.

Speaking to the weekly Kathimerini on Sunday, she also expressed the opinion that the role of the EU should only be at the meeting if the UNSG and other sides due to take part agreed to it taking part.

When asked about a ‘British plan’, Morton said “I make it clear there is no British plan”.

Referring to Varosha, she said Britain had a clear position, “we believe the fenced city must be returned to its legal owners under the administration of the UN” as included in UN resolutions.

She also called for the immediate restart of negotiations emphasising “what I told you earlier: that the longer the stalemate continues, the more we will see the division becoming a permanent reality with negative consequences for many Cypriots”.

Asked about guarantors, she said the UK keeps an open mind and would support any decisions agreed by the two sides.

Morton was in Cyprus on Wednesday and Thursday this week.